Downsizing to a dilapidated bungalow

Keep looking for something more suitable.

You say "complete refurbishment". Does that mean the bungalow is not livable in as it is?

Will you have to get workmen in to do the refurb or are you doing it yourself ?

I personally wouldn't want to take on a dilapidated bungalow with all the upheaval of "a complete refurbishment and an extension". Building work and renovations always cost more than estimated, and you say that the work would use all your sale profit.

There must be a property more suitable. I would advise to keep looking.

I could live in it, but would be quite difficult as it’s such mess, I’m just a bit frightened as I’m on my own, and everything would be down to me. I’m a fit 70 year old, but obviously a bit of a coward!

I would love to move to a Bungalow and perhaps I will in a couple of years. As I understand, bungalows are more expensive than houses, because I guess they use more land, if you know what I mean. They are becoming more popular and in demand......hence supply and demand.
I don't see the problem in spending your profit on a Bungalow that you like, PROVIDED you have got some cash tucked away, for a rainy day. Good luck!!

Not much cash for a rainy day, and yes I would have a builder doing the work, but I know how those costs can escalate. This really has to be my decision at the end of the day.

Don't do it Jude! I speak from bitter experience! I bought a house a year ago that "just needed a bit of updating". 1 year later: rewired, replastered, new boiler, new radiators, new bathroom, new kitchen, new doors, new drive and patio (that was the only job I'd thought needed doing when I bought it), add on the cost of redecoration, carpets and blinds and I soon found that the budget I'd set was about 30% of what I actually spent. Look for something else that doesn't need so much doing to it. Apart from anything else, getting tradespeople in to do jobs right now is a nightmare.

I'm with Chewbacca. What you can see needs doing will only be half of what actually needs doing. And don't be taken in by those renovation programmes were the new bathroom only costs them a thousand!

If you are still thinking of going ahead get some estimates before you sign. I think you'll be shocked!

get some estimates before you sign if you can get anyone to come out!

Look for something more suitable. DH is an Architect and is often asked to do a fee proposal for upgrading properties.
Most of the time the clients are shocked at the costs and will either scale down their expectations or find another property.
Unless the property is an outstanding piece of architecture he sometimes feels it would be better and more cost effective to demolish and start again.

Why do you need an extension. If it's just you it may not be necessary.

Why do you need an extension

In the OP it says that an extension is to use up some of the garden; I assume to make it a more manageable size.

Yes I agree with Chewbacca renovating needs a bottomless pit of money. Look for something which doesn't need so much work Judecharli2 Apart from the money all the work can be wearisome.

We refurbed our 1950s bungalow 22 years ago, but we were renting whilst the work was being done.
We had refurbed several houses before but that was the last one, never again.
Unless it’s very very cheap and you can get the whole thing done by a builder who you trust and you have somewhere else to live when the work is being done, I wouldn’t go there.
Walk away and get something ready for you to move into, at least you will know exactly how much money you will have left to live on.

DONT DO IT. We did exactly that. Took all of our spare money and more. Took ages to get the work done and we lived in mess all the time. When it was finished we moved ASAP as we couldn’t stand the place anymore. Now live in a lovely flat. Please reconsider. Perhaps a smaller flat or place in better condition

Agree with Chewbacca the idea of a major refurb would get me panicking plus using up a lot of your savings. Better look for something that doesn't need so much work, an apartment would be cheaper and easier with no garden maintenance.

I agree with Chewbacca - think very carefully!

we couldn’t stand the place anymore. And that's exactly how I feel about this place now Doodle. Everyone tells me how lovely it is now but it's been one damned thing after another that's needed "urgent attention".

I am looking for a bungalow with little work needed apart from redecoration. Finding it hard as so many are in an appalling state in my low price range, I think I may have to get a flat instead. Time and energy are short nowadays, I just want to unpack and enjoy myself.

I hope you can find something already renovated, and have some cash leftover.

I agree. Don't do it, wait for something better to come along. On the other hand, if you have a buyer for your old place then you might be tempted to go ahead so as not to lose your sale. Or if the new location is just where you want to be, again, you might be tempted to go ahead. Remember also that until the end of next March there is a reduction on stamp duty which might encourage you to move quickly as there are savings to be made which may pay for some of your renovations. Make a friend of your estate agent. They are not all bad and the experienced ones can give you good free advice.

Shandy, I've been following you on your thread and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the perfect little house is waiting for you when you go to look at some next month.

Why make life difficult for yourself and cause a lot of stress? Can you find something you could just move straight into?
I wouldn’t want to have workmen in unless I absolutely had to.
Keep looking for a property that really suits you. Good luck. X

Chewbacca

^Why do you need an extension^

In the OP it says that an extension is to use up some of the garden; I assume to make it a more manageable size.

I had assumed that "to use up some of hte garden" was some sort of mistype. Rather an expensive way of making the garden smaller. Why not just leave part of the garden to go wild. Apart from being good for wildlife, it's fashionable these days.